Hi! I'm going on a cruise for the first time this September. I'm thinking of going on the Tulum excursion in Playa del Carmen (or renting a car on my own to travel to the ruins) and the horseback riding excursion in Cozumel.

Can anyone offer advice on this ship or these excursions? Thanks in advance!!

Hi! I'm going on a cruise for the first time this September. I'm thinking of going on the Tulum excursion in Playa del Carmen (or renting a car on my own to travel to the ruins) and the horseback riding excursion in Cozumel.

Can anyone offer advice on this ship or these excursions? Thanks in advance!!

Tulum is definitely a good choice (scenery is awesome). As to whether to do it as excusion or not, you must consider a couple of factors. With the ship's excursion if your tour returns back to the ship late - the cruiseline will make sure to wait or get you to the next port & if you are injured or there is any kind of accident - you are protected. The downside is that it is more expensive, more crowded and you are on their schedule. So, if you opt for safety - take the excursion; if you chose to go it alone be aware of the risks. this holds true for horseback riding as well.

With that said, and you decide you might want to go to Tulum on your own: You can always catch the local bus in Playa del Carmen (runs about every hour) to Tulum for 20 pesos ($2); or if there is a group of you a car will cost about $40US. Entrance to Tulum is 40 pesos. Just make sure to allow yourself plenty of time for the hour to hour and half trip one way.
Nancy

If you decide to do the horseback riding on your own, you can take a taxi to Playa San Francisco and then walk southward down the beach towards Playa Del Sol. You will find the horses right on the beach.

Nancy makes a good point about being safe. If you speak at least some Spanish, you will be much more comfortable doing it on your own.